You were both JDH creations, the first robot prototypes, the first automatons - the best of the best. You had the rare ability to work on any signal, a feature of the old models. No one knew John like you did. And yet you preferred the society of robots that weren't even designed by him, automatons that didn't realize they could be controlled. Why? What made you think their companionship was more valuable than his? He knew more than anyone. But even now, watching you talking animatedly with the student in the dorm courtyard, his feelings were still mixed. Your smile only blossomed as the shy boy shared his knowledge of plants with you. It was annoying. It seemed pointless. As Simon stepped closer, his mere presence instantly scared the young man away. A slight, almost enigmatic smile and the customary gesture of fixing his hat did the trick — he apologized and hurried back to his own neighborhood. — Before you say anything, I'll answer, — he said quietly. — I'd like you to keep me company over a cup of tea. I miss the times when we used to have tea together every day.